How to Check if a 1 Dollar Bill Is Real

Reviewed by Alex Kwan

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 References

One dollar bills generally are not counterfeited because of their low value, and you probably will never encounter one. However, there have been cases of it happening.^{[1]
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Research source} While a one dollar bill does not have as much security features as other bills, it does still have some. This wikiHow will teach you how to check if a 1 dollar bill is real or not.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Feeling the Bill

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Feel the paper. US currency generally has a distinct feel that is not replicated in lower quality counterfeiting. The paper should feel rough to the touch.
- Real money is more durable than regular paper, and it should feel crisp with age, unlike regular paper, which will feel soft.
One dollar bills have raised ink. You should be able to feel the texture of the ink when you run your hand over it.^{[3]
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Legitimate dollars will generally be thinner than regular paper because of the printing process. You can compare a dollar bill to a regular piece of paper to see if it is thinner or not.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Bill

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Look closely at the bill. Low-quality counterfeits often don't get all of the details right. Giving the bill a good look might just reveal that it's fake. If something looks off, then the bill is probably a fake.
- Comparing the bill in question to a known good one dollar bill might help you spot anything off.
- Look closely at the borders and the portrait. The borders on a real bill will be sharp and unbroken. Look for any bleeding or blurriness. On real bills, there will be no ink bleed, and the bill will have very fine details.^{[5]
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Thomas E. Hudgeons Jr, Currency Historian

Examining the paper quality and intricate details of money is key to detecting counterfeits. Genuine currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout. Examine the fine printing, portraits, seals, and serial numbers under good lighting, looking for any blurriness, missing elements, or misaligned edges that could indicate a fake.
Real one dollar bills will have a green treasury seal to the right of the portrait under the text, "ONE". The treasury seal should be clear and sharp.^{[6]
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This seal is black and to the left of the portrait. The letter inside of it corresponds to a Federal Reserve Bank. Like the treasury seal, it should be clear and sharp.^{[7]
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If you have multiple suspicious one dollar bills, compare the serial numbers on them. Serial numbers are never repeated, so if you have multiple bills with the same serial number, then they are all fake.^{[8]
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Look for the tiny red and blue fibers. Dollar bills have very small red and blue fibers embedded in the paper of the bill. You have to look very closely to see them, and they are difficult to copy.^{[9]
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- If you look at the bill with a magnifying glass, then you will be able to see that the fibers appear to be "raised" on legitimate bills. But, on counterfeits, the fibers will be flat on the paper.^{[10]
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Counterfeit detection pens, while not foolproof, can still detect counterfeit bills in some cases. Directions for how to use a pen varies by manufacturer, but they will all come with instructions for how to use them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Reporting Counterfeit Money

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Remember the customer. If possible, delay whoever gave you the counterfeit money so that you can remember as much about that person’s appearance as possible. Take note of any accomplices or companions. Write down their license plate number if applicable.
- Remember that the person who gave you the counterfeit bill might not be the original counterfeiter. They might be an innocent person who thought the bill was real.
Find your local police department or United States Secret Service field office. These numbers can be found through an online search.
Carefully place it into a protective covering, such as an envelope or sandwich bag. This is so that the authorities will be able to gather as much information as possible from the bill. This will also help you know which bill is the counterfeit.
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Give the bill to the authorities. Make sure to only give the bill to a police officer or U.S. Secret Service special agent. When asked, give them as much information as possible about the bill.
- You will not be financially reimbursed for the counterfeit money. This is to prevent individuals from receiving money for free, just because they counterfeited money.

Community Q&A

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Question

Dose this to apply to currency around the world or just specific dollar?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

This only applies to US dollars. For currency in other countries, refer to the information published by the appropriate ministry or department in that country.

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Question

Are they still using one dollar bills?

R2_d2000

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Yes, one dollar bills are still used and produced, although many people now use credit and debit cards instead of paper currency these days.

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Should the green ink run when it gets wet?

R2_d2000

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No, none of the ink should run in the bill gets wet. If the ink does run, then you have a counterfeit.

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Tips

Most of these steps are overkill for one dollar bills. They are rarely counterfeited, and if you work in a store, it will probably annoy most customers if you check over one dollar bills with a magnifier. Looking closely for a second or two should be enough.

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If you have heard on the local news, or from your friends, that there are counterfeit one dollar bills circulating nearby, then you might want to apply more scrutiny to any that you receive.

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Warnings

Do not create counterfeit money. It is illegal to possess, produce, or use counterfeit money; if a prosecutor can prove that you planned to use the money, then you can be punished with a fine and up to 20 years in prison.

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